Kidney Stone Treatment

Kidney Stone Treatment Overview

If you have had a kidney stone in the past, you already know how painful it can be. Most kidney stones pass out of the body without help from a doctor, while other times a kidney stone may require medical assistance if it won’t pass. Dr. Mark Allen, urologist serving the communities of Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas, specializes in numerous urological disorders and treatments, including kidney stone treatment.

Kidney Stones – A Common Urological Disorder

Kidney stones are a common urological disorder and are made of salts and minerals in the urine that stick together to form small stones or “pebbles.” Kidney stones can range in size as small as grains of sand or as large as golf balls. They can either stay in your kidneys or travel out of your body through the urinary tract.

When a change occurs in the normal balance of water, salts, and minerals found in urine, kidney stones can form. The most common cause of kidney stones is not drinking enough water. Try to drink enough water to keep your urine clear (about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day). Some people are more likely to get kidney stones because of a medical condition or family history. If people in your family have had kidney stones in the past, you are more likely to have them too. Other causes for kidney stones include diet, inflammatory bowel disease, gout, Atkins diet, urinary tract infection, vitamin C (over 2 grams per day), or calcium supplements if taken without food or if used excessively.

When kidney stones are formed in the kidneys they often cause no pain. However, a sudden, severe pain is associated with the travel of the kidney stone from the kidney to the bladder. You should call your doctor immediately if you think you have a kidney stone. Kidney stones are known to cause severe or extreme pain in your side, back, or groin that does not go away, urine that looks pink or red due to blood in urine, cloudy urine, burning sensation while urinating, fever and chills, nausea or feeling sick to your stomach, and/or vomiting.

Kidney Stone Treatment

Very small stones are able to pass on their own and do not require any further kidney stone treatment besides drinking plenty of water (10 glasses a day). However, if the stone is not able to pass on its own, Dr. Allen is able to treat it with a variety of different treatment plans that are suitable for each patient and their unique situation. Usually the kidney stone is demolished by either shock waves or lasers to remove the stone, but on very rare occasions open surgery is needed. Dr. Allen will discuss the benefits and risks of all kidney stone treatment options to find out which one is best for you.

For additional resources on common urological disorders, or to discuss the appropriate kidney stone treatment for you, please contact the office of Dr. Mark Allen, urologist serving the communities of Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas.

I work with 350 other fireman and hear all the horror stories about vasectomys and the pain. Dr Allen did a no scalpel vasectomy and when I say no pain I mean zero. Great bed side manners and really made it simple and relaxing. Can't recommend him enough!!

My personal experience with Dr. Allen has been very good. I've visisted his practice for several years and have been extremely satisfied. Recently he performed a surgery on me referred to as a TURP. It was a tremendous success. I am totally pleased with Dr. Allen and his practice. First class!

I gave Dr. Allen five stars because he deserves them! He is a very personable doctor and takes time to answer your questions. He also explains medical terms in plain language so you know what he means. I would recommend him to anyone needing a urologist.

Dr. Allen Reviews

I work with 350 other fireman and hear all the horror stories about vasectomys and the pain. Dr Allen did a no scalpel vasectomy and when I say no pain I mean zero. Great bed side manners and really made it simple and relaxing. Can't recommend him enough!!

"The best urologist in Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, and I have been to many. Values your time and yet gives you plenty of his." - Carol N.